2022 Kia Carnival vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V, like many compact crossovers, had a design that blended into the crowd. Its styling was similar to other vehicles in its class, with few distinguishing features. The grille and some chromed plastic elements were among the few details that set it apart. Colour options were limited, with a predominance of neutral shades, making it challenging to find a CR-V in a more vibrant hue. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and upscale touches like wood panels and chrome, depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Carnival stood out with its unique design elements across different trims. The Carnival's SUV-inspired styling included features like simulated skid plates, a floating roof design, and roof rails. The grille design varied by trim, with higher trims offering a more refined look. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a dashboard and centre console reminiscent of a crossover. The SX trim featured luxurious VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and leather upholstery, adding a touch of opulence. Despite some compromises in cargo space due to these seats, the Carnival's design was praised for its sharp, angular lines and tasteful aesthetics, making it a standout in its segment.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not known for its thrilling performance but rather for its smooth and steady acceleration. All trims featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. It accelerated to 100 km/h in about 8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of conventional transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup, consisting of a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, contributed to decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, featured a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided smooth and effortless acceleration, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Carnival offered various driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart, with Sport mode enhancing the driving experience. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with a combined rating of 10.6 L/100 km. The Carnival's front-wheel-drive setup contributed to its athletic feel, with a flat cornering stance and responsive handling. However, it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces when lightly loaded.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Access to the cargo area varied by trim, with options for manual, power, and hands-free tailgate operation. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, with its minivan roots providing generous interior space. Most trims offered eight-passenger seating, with versatile second-row configurations. The SX trim featured luxurious VIP Lounge Seats, though they limited maximum cargo volume. The Carnival's rear cargo area was spacious, with 1,139 litres of volume behind the third-row seat. Folding the third-row seats created 2,460 litres of cargo space, and removing the second-row seats expanded it to 4,110 litres. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could be inadvertently activated.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came equipped with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio options varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also introduced a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a range of technology features, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LX trim. Higher trims, like the EX+, featured a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with HD Radio, SiriusXM, and navigation. The Carnival also included a Passenger View camera and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on select trims. The SX trim boasted a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system. Kia provided a comprehensive quick reference guide to help users navigate the technology, ensuring a user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. However, it fell short of the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower scores in headlight evaluation and the updated side crash test. Honda's approach to safety was commendable, with the Honda Sensing system standard across all trims. This suite included features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Kia Carnival also offered an extensive list of safety features and advanced driving assistance systems. Standard equipment included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure assistance, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added features like front parking sensors, active blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Carnival's ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist provided additional safety measures. The IIHS awarded the Carnival a Top Safety Pick rating, though the NHTSA had not yet rated it.